Interim Policy and Membership Director in London

IMTA is a UK trade association, representing predominantly UK companies importing and exporting meat. Our goal is the facilitation of the trade in meat, ensuring UK consumer choice, food security and carcass balance through import and export. IMTA provides leading trade expertise on UK trade policy including customs, tariffs, quotas, rules of origin, WTO, trade agreements, SPS conditions and market access.

IMTA is looking for an experienced policy, communications or membership professional to join us for an interim role as Policy and Membership Director. This will be a full-time, fixed-term contract for six months, starting in spring 2026. The role will involve exposure to high-level policy work and the opportunity to shape strategy.

• You’ll shape and deliver our membership engagement and retention strategy.
• You’ll lead our events programme while also supporting policy development.
• The role includes representing IMTA in industry–government forums, delivering presentations, and facilitating both in-person and virtual meetings.
• This role is hybrid, with two days per week in our London office and three days working from home. Flexible working requests will be considered. Some travel may be required within the UK.
• The position will offer professional development and external training opportunities which IMTA will fund.

Candidates are encouraged to request information on the salary band before submitting an application. Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

• Lead IMTA’s membership engagement and retention strategy, including oversight of renewals and new member applications.
• Lead the development and delivery of IMTA’s events programme, including breakfast briefings, member meetings, training sessions, and member visits. This includes responsibility for organisation and delivery of IMTA’s 130 year celebration event in Parliament.
• Oversee the events schedule, ensuring high-quality planning, coordination, and execution.
• Support IMTA’s policy work, taking responsibility for specific policy areas.
• Gather member feedback, respond to government consultations and parliamentary inquiries, and address member queries on technical and legislative matters.
• Develop strategies to progress member issues with government and regulators.
• Represent IMTA in assigned industry–government forums, ensuring members’ interests are effectively communicated.
• Deliver presentations on behalf of the association.
• Lead and facilitate certain IMTA meetings, including morning team meetings.
• Ensure clear, consistent communication with members by implementing standards and processes for news updates, surveys, and other member communications.
• Oversee IMTA’s social media activity to support engagement and visibility.
• Deputise for the CEO when required.
• Line manage one staff member.
• Support wider administrative and organisational tasks as needed.

This role reports to Katrina Walsh, Strategy Director.

• Five or more years’ experience in a relevant policy, membership, or communications role (or two or more years in an equivalent senior role).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential issues with diplomacy and discretion.
• Confidence representing the association at a senior level and advocating for members in high-level meetings.
• The role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to build rapport and develop effective, trust-based relationships.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to assess risks and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Comfortable progressing issues and queries with a high degree of autonomy.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and stakeholder engagement.
• Willingness to learn about the meat industry, particularly trade related issues.
• Experience working in a membership-based organisation.
• Knowledge of trade policy.
• Knowledge of UK and EU food policy.

Please submit a CV and tailored covering letter explaining why you are interested in working for IMTA and how your experience aligns with the Interim Policy and Membership Director role. Generic covering letters will not be considered. Applications should be sent to: Katrina Walsh, Strategy Director – Candidates invited to interview will be asked to complete a short policy or membership related task on the day of interview. If you would like to learn more about the role or the organisation before applying, you are welcome to get in touch.